Gas Appliances

Considering gas appliances could be an option to reduce your bills at the same time as experiencing higher levels of performance and productivity.

There is a high supply of shale gas in the United States resulting in low, stable prices, and gas is relatively the least polluting non-renewable energy source, thus, it can be seen as the environmentally responsible choice.

If you already have a natural gas line in your house, or are building a new house you may wish to think about the possible benefits of gas devices and natural gas home appliances.

Learn more about gas appliances here from Prime Henderson Appliance Repair:

What is a Natural Gas Appliance?

A gas home appliance makes use of gas as the primary power source. Gas devices offer a viable substitute to electrically powered devices.

In many situations natural gas devices nevertheless require an electrical outlet but use gas as the main source of power. The quantity electricity used depends on the type of appliance. E.g, a natural gas water heater will provide hot water even if the power goes out, whereas a natural gas dryer still relies upon electrical components.

Examples of Natural Gas Appliances

Natural gas is not just for heating.

Keeping You Warm

Keeping yourself warm with gas is typically less expensive than providing heat with electricity. The difference can be as high as 50% depending on your fuel prices and efficiency.

Gas provides higher air temperatures and offers better reliability.This is due to gas lines being better protected than power lines.

A Fireplace

Aside from heating natural gas is great for having a fire in your home. With a natural gas fireplace, you still get that open fire feeling and a warm home without the mess.

Cooling

Gas air conditioning can be an adept method to keep cool.

Natural gas air conditioning are often a higher price to install but is more cost effective to run and maintain meaning cost savings in the long term. Higher effectiveness has the added upside of reducing your C02 emissions.

Hot Water

There are two styles of natural gas water heaters, on demand and tank. Gas heaters are faster and more productive than electric water boilers. Tankless water heaters also give a continuous supply.

The fact that gas lines are usually dug into the ground and guarded from the elements means you still have the ability to shower even if there’s a power outage.

Cooking Food

Everyone has encountered the phrase “cooking with gas”. A great commercial line created to link natural gas to effectiveness and efficiency.

Regardless of the origin the saying stuck because it is true. A great many chefs and amature cooks choose gas for the ability to control the size of the flame, and natural gas ranges provide a less wasteful way of turning fuel into heat.

Tumble Dryers

You might not immediately think of using natural gas in your laundry room, however, natural gas dryers are a great choice. Gas Dryers work a few degrees hotter thus drying clothes in less time and clothes have to endure less tumbling.

Outdoor Living

Did you know you don’t just have to use natural gas inside your home? When it comes to outdoor living, natural gas is a great power source for patio lights and food prep and even to heat your pool.

delight guests as soon as they arrive with path lighting, keep them cosy even when the temperature falls and get food cooked outside at the perfect temperature, whenever you are ready, and without the need to remember to fill up your propane bottles.

Just like domestic water heaters a pool or spa heater will get up to temperature twice as rapidly as an electric heater. And gas outdoor heaters provide atmosphere as well as giving warmth for perfect outside living.

Benefits of Natural Gas Appliances

As in all things there are pros and cons to natural gas devices. Here are some of the benefits.

Choosing gas will reduce your utility bills.
Natural gas home appliances tend to use less energy making them better for your wallet and for the environment.
Natural gas is an ecologically sound option as it is the least environmentally damaging of the fossil fuels, with emissions of around 27% less C02 than oil and 45% less C02 than coal.
Gas lines are generally more reliable and less susceptible to damage or interruption This means you can still cook even if there’s no electricity supply.

Disadvantages of Natural Gas Appliances

Gas appliances generally have a higher initial outlay. Both the value of the appliance and the cost to install are likely to be higher for a natural gas appliance when looking at next to electrical alternatives.
Installing a new gas line can be costly. The price will vary depending on how close the nearest supply is to your home.
Moving or extending a natural gas line can also require a big outlay so this should be included in any cost comparisons.
Safety comes first and carbon monoxide can be an issue if natural gas appliances are not properly installed or not maintained. making sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm is essential is you use natural gas in your home.

Is a Natural Gas Appliance The Right Choice for You?

Making the decision between gas and electricity is not easy and the optimal choice for you may not be the optimal choice for everyone.

If your main driver is cost natural gas is at the moment the least expensive option. However, while studies show that three-quarters of new home buyers are choosing to have natural gas, converting to gas comes at a cost. Thus, finding out how much a new gas line would cost if you don’t already have one is a good place to start.

Another reason to choose natural gas is reliability of supply. If power failures happen often in your area then having appliances that continue to work during power cuts can be a big plus.

Finally, the sustainability credentials of natural gas may be relatively short term, as you can’t switch them to renewable sources in the same way you can electrical home appliances. Installing renewable energy may turn out to be less expensive and more environmentally responsible options in the long run.